Solar energy thermal air plank collector calibration device

ABSTRACT

The subject invention is an interchangeable component, multi-use solar energy air heating apparatus designed to achieve universal output energy through variable operation that includes radiant absorber capped sealed linear ducted passageway employing air as transfer medium that allows selective insertion of varying design elements of thermal mass, possessing known absorptive, retentive transfer properties of interchangeable quantity, densities, surface, texture and configurations providing for varying thermal energy exchange to capture, store as necessary, and pass on microsite harvested, direct, diffuse, locally compromised, controlling historic patterns of solar reception; said interchangeable components to produce quantitative thermal air for application in different climatic regions having unlike conditions, said interchangeable components to also provide for pre-manufactured testing and calibration plus provision for serviceable multi-duct manifolding for exiting air treatment as required to service habitable space, industrial processes, crop drying terrestrial and water plant life for energy application, plus night sky radiation cooling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

This invention relates to improved vertically controlled thermodynamics of solar heated air systems which are now of universally uniform operation design as employed for: space and hot water heating, process heating plus terrestrial and water based organic crop drying. The invention provides variable timely thermodynamic transfer mechanisms readily introduced into the flow stream of the air transfer medium to provide consistent thermal energy at raised temperature gradient in a multiple of climatic areas, under local varying conditions and different applications through the added implementation of selective, geometrically configured rigid thermal mass linear elements inserted into the air flow passageway to cause friction contact interaction, maximizing thermal dynamic energy exchange via absorption, retention and emittence, and for night sky, radiation cooling when atmospherically possible.

The readily added linear rigid frames, containing the interchangeable thermal manipulation mass, are employed for specifically targeted applications. They are easily inserted into the air stream and contact with the enclosing metallic body of the collector for calibration testing prior to system implementation. Provision is also made for serviceable multi-duct manifolds to serve entering and exiting air required treatment.

Description of Prior Art

The air transfer medium solar energy collector of my prior patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,284,070 and 4,393,862 is a mechanism consisting of thin linear perimeter sealed multi-duct air moving passages that receive solar radiation energy from a fixed, flat, locally dictated, design oriented radiation absorber surface, and transfers it into a flowing air transfer medium as thermal energy. The duct units called Air Planks, are of rigid, amalgamated, non-corrosive metals for strength and longevity. The exposed surface absorber selective coating is inexpensive coil coated. A low cost mechanically roll-form process shapes the sheet metal into ducts of required depths, widths and lengths to address local atmospheric conditions and the intended process application. Multi-ducts in parallel are manifolded together at each end to provide uniform entry and exiting air flow. The total configuration forms a flat plate solar collector, easily assembled, low cost, highly durable and versatile in application, generally, but not specifically, efficiently addressing a multitude of climatic conditions. Variable air movement can be achieved employing minimal size photo voltaic cell panels enabling complete operational self sufficiency. Hot water if required is generated by an efficient single faced remote air to water heat exchanger. The collector configuration is remotely glazed overhead by a totally independent glass cover system. In remote third world installations with minimal requirements, glazing may be omitted. The glazing forms a tight cover over the air flow system. As a result any system air leakage allows for drawing air into the system from the interior of the heated structure, minimizing degradation of the air flow being raised in temperature.

At present flat plate thermal air solar energy collector systems are composed of similar components to universally serve all applications in all geographic areas and are not specifically designed for each maximum local use or to address exacting process needs and local atmospheric climatic conditions. As designed and implemented, available energy output is not at a maximum daily output. The internal thermal mass configurations of the new invention are designed, combined and added to adjust energy reception, retention, and release for usable maximum solar day long energy gain for specific applications.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Solar Energy Thermal Air Plank Collector Calibration Device

This invention provides for the implementation of design selected, geometrically configured, thermal mass elements into variable through air flow within the air passages of the solar energy thermal air plank collector plus a mechanism for the calibration of resultant exiting thermal air stream energy employing a rigid frame device for insertion of specifically designed thermal mass. In addition, the apparatus provides a mechanism for the uniform injection of chemical spray and/or gaseous elements into the multi-duct exiting and/or entering manifolds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a triple truss as a thermal mass configuration rigid carrying devise for insertion and removal into air streams of a single Air Plank duct for testing and permanent operations installations.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi Air Plank solar collector unit with multi-carrying rigid devise selected for required thermal mass inserts for permanent operation installations.

FIG. 3 is a section view of rigid carrying devise within which are high thermal transmittance, thin, lightweight air turbulating wire type elements in maximum contact with the solar radiation absorber plate for maximum turbulating friction driven energy transmittance.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of rigid truss type insert with high thermal transmittance wire type air turbulating elements in maximum contact with the solar radiation absorber plate for maximum energy rapid transmittance.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of rigid type truss with alternating thermal absorbing configured mass base elements to maximize retention for averaging thermal energy flow.

FIG. 6 is a section view of rigid truss type carrying device with geometrically alternating thermal absorbing configured mass base.

FIG. 7 is a plan view truss type carrying device with spaced, layered alternating thermal mass for averaging intermitting solar radiation energy transfer to air flow.

FIG. 8 is a section view of truss type carrying thermal mass for averaging intermitting radiation energy transfer to air flow.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of single Air Plank duct schematically showing different type of placement of lightweight and heavy mass for alternative applications.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of multi Air Plank (3) collector body with entry manifold and an exiting manifold equipped with optional air treatment devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numerall schematically designates a rigid linear support apparatus to carry alternative thermodynamically interacting selective rigid mass elements of selected configurations into a representation triple hollow linear solar energy transfer air hollow duct Air Plank (my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,070). Numeral 2 defines the width and depth of the Air Plank unit. Numeral 3 denotes the heating chamber duct divisions. Numeral 4 denotes (in part segment) rigid radiant solar absorber plate. Numeral 5 represents the lower rigid Air Plank body that is supporting the absorber plate. Numeral 6 locates the linear mechanical connection, on both sides of the absorber plate, to the Air Plank body. Numeral 7 designates insulation backing under the hollow duct Air Plank. The rigid support apparatus is free to full or partial insertion and removal into the hollow Air Plank ducts for purposes of testing thermal lag time and thermal energy interaction of selected, inserted thermal mass elements (not shown) with each other and the air stream within the Air Plank containment body.

Referring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 schematically designates a triple rigid support apparatus to carry selected alternative thermodynamically interactive rigid mass elements of alternative configurations (not shown) into numeral 2, three separate hollow duct Air Planks schematically forming a solar energy collector unit for field applications following single unit testing.

Referring to FIG. 3. a section view of a solar air transfer air duct Air Plank in vertical section with numeral 1 rigid apparatus inserted, supporting numeral 8 high thermal, minimum lag time transmittance, employing lightweight, coiled, high conductance, wire type, air friction, turbulating elements in maximum physical contact with the solar radiation plate above; numeral 4 for energy transmittance to the airstream numeral 3, passing through the Air Plank hollow duct divisions for rapid maximum transfer of useful thermal energy from collector absorber plate to the exiting air stream.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cut-a-way plan view of a solar air transfer air duct Air Plank with numeral 1; rigid apparatus inserted supporting numeral 8 high thermal, minimum lag time transmittance, employing lightweight, coiled high conductance, wire type, rigid, air friction, turbulating elements in maximum physical contact with the solar radiation absorber plate above (not shown) for energy transmittance to the air stream numerals, passing through the Air Plank hollow duct division for rapid maximum transfer of useful thermal energy from the collector absorber plate to the exiting air stream.

Referring to FIG. 5, a cut-away plan view of a solar air transfer air duct Air Plank with numeral 1 rigid apparatus inserted supporting, numeral 9 base elements of rigid mass thermodynamically interactive alternative configurations continually placed an intermittently spaced (shown) within the bottom of Air Plank ducts to achieve thermal energy storage resulting in short time and/or long time lag time of energy transfer to more uniformly deliver thermal flow exiting the collector. of during periods of alternating atmospheric conditions and for retention to serve night sky radiation reverse flow cooling.

Referring to FIG. 6, a cross section of a single Air Plank reference numeral 1 schematically designated a triple rigid support apparatus in vertical section view to carry at the ducted base numeral 9 selected alternative thermodynamically interactive rigid mass elements of alternative configurations to manipulate energy transfer flow to achieve storage for more uniform flow during periods of alternating atmospheric radiation daily conditions and for retention to facilitate night sky radiation cooling.

Referring to FIG. 7, is cut-away plan view of a solar air transfer air duct Air Plank with numeral 1 rigid apparatus inserted supporting numeral 10 intermittently shown in placed and stacked elements of rigid mass thermodynamically interactive alternative configurations with the Air Plank ducts to manipulate and achieve minor short term energy storage to deliver more uniformly temperature and energy flow during short periods of alternating atmospheric conditions.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross section of a single Air Plank reference numeral 1 schematically denotes a triple rigid support apparatus in vertical section view to carry stacked, numeral 10, selected alternative thermodynamically interactive rigid mass elements of alternative configurations in multi layers with linear air passages between, to provide short term storage of energy for release during short term periods of inconstant radiation due to minor atmospheric changes such as local cloud cover.

Referring to FIG. 9, is a general schematic multi view of how different thermal mass configurations are placed in the single Air Plank reference numeral 1, schematically designates a rigid linear support apparatus to carry alternative thermodynamically interesting selective mass elements of selective configuration into a representative triple duct air plank. Numeral 8 shows schematically placement of bare elements of thermodynamic stored energy mass with linear air passages between. FIG. 9 is schematic in nature to depict alternate interjection of alternate thermodynamic mass configuration to finely calibrate the manipulation of thermal energy within the configuration of the linear duct air plank enclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, reference numeral (multiple) 2, schematically designates three linear, hollow ducted, individually isolated solar energy air transfer Air Plank units in parallel, containing numeral 1, linear support apparatus, in numeral 3, air passages, each of which numerals 8,9,10, has enclosed selected thermodynamically interacting rigid mass elements. Numeral 11 schematically represents an air intake manifold that equally proportions air into the multi Air Planks from numeral 19, a contained air source, ducted or otherwise, for passage through the air duct collector to numeral 12 a schematically shown exiting air manifold to equally proportion the treated air from the Air Plank units. Numeral 13 represents a calibrated sealed means of conveyance of moisture or gas uniformly into the exit mass, if and when required via numeral 14 calibrated valves and tubes into numeral 15 equal distribution mechanisms serving exiting air. Numeral 16 represents a calibrated sealed means of injection of a moisture or gas uniformly into the entering manifold via numeral 17, calibrate valves and tubes into the entering manifold for equal distribution via numeral 18 distribution mechanism. Entering and/or exiting manifold injection into the air stream is only when process required.

SUMMARY

During the past forty-five years there has been considerable activity in the art of delayed response solar heating systems employing water mass and water with anti-freeze as a fluid energy retention and transfer medium. These fluid operable systems have day long net harvest energy efficiencies reduced. by: start-up pre-heat lag of the fluid mass required for usable temperature gradients, lack of response to low level diffuse and reflected radiation, lack of response to prolonged periods of intermediate variable cloud cover, local geometric interference, loss of specific heat capacity when employing water additives, plus a need for high electric pump power.

The present invention harvests increased net usable solar energy received throughout the full solar day period by adding easily installed prefabricated, pre-calibrated linear thermal mass elements into the air streams, variable when required, of conventional light air transfer medium solar collector systems employed for application of direct air requirements serving space heating, moderate temperature water heating, process heating, plus crop drying of terrestrial and water based food and energy products, with air yielding temperatures of up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. This invention will raise day long efficiency to above 60%. The present invention also provides an acceptable multi-duct air exiting manifold for introduction of humidity or gaseous vapors into the leaving air stream when required. Night sky radiation cooling is implemented when atmospherically clear day is available.

Fluid systems have high initial cost, complex equipment, double heat exchanges and operating complication requiring continued cold weather protection adjustment and maintenance to prevent leakage. Many employ drain-down procedures when not in operation. Throughout rural and third world countries where water is not plentiful, water systems are not practical. These factors reduce water systems cost effectiveness and in some areas, preclude implementation of water based systems.

Conversely, a light air mass transfer medium solar collector system with a lightweight metal absorber plate will respond with a thermal energy yield almost immediately, when activated from reception of even low atmospheric quantities of direct, diffuse, and reflected solar radiation emanating from a broad range of solar radiation, alternative on and off cloud free sky, hazy and locally hourly changing conditions. As a result, during the solar day period the immediately activated response of air mass systems with useable thermal energy yields greater than that of heavy mass slow response water systems. The light air mass also efficiently facilitates night sky radiation cooling when clear atmosphere conditions are applicable.

But the air transfer thermal collector air streams output is often at a lower thermal gradation of uneven energy flow and of variable temperatures limiting the air systems full potential for day long energy delivery. Higher efficiency, more uniform temperature and broader application can be achieved by selectively pre-calibrated air flow through confined passageways lined with introduced selected thermal elements of rigid irregularly shaped friction generating surfaced mass in varying positions that through direct turbulent contact will more fully regulate the thermal energy content and temperature graident of the outfall. The resultant effect of the use of tailored interchangeable, variable turbulent generating mass linings, when tested with different velocity air streams, and acted upon by varying solar input, allow for pre-calibration tests employing different linings for different solar conditions and application prior to a particular systems manufactured installation. The pre-designed line of elements are introduced into the full length of the collector air stream duct as a single fused together rigid chain for easy test installation and removal and for easy further introduction into the linear rigid mass manufactured, custom designed, solar collector system product. 

1. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each air solar collector's elongated linear ducts are implemented with thermodynamically interacting selected rigid thermal mass element configurations, with said elements selectively physically in contact with the solar radiation absorber plate and surrounding surfaces to manipulate the flow of the thermal energy into a calibrated air stream so as to achieve maximum immediate energy transmission for thermal mass energy absorption and retention for timed energy release to optimally utilize daily solar radiation's thermal elevations and night sky solar radiation cooling when atmospherically possible.
 2. The apparatus of claim 2 is implementation of rigid support carrying devices of non deterioration material capable of slide in carrying thermal mass elements up to fully into the entire length of air solar collector ducts so as to allow for laboratory testing and following general field implementation of selected mass configurations manipulating energy in the air stream to address local environmental conditions and intended application needs.
 3. The apparatus of claim 3 is to provide a mechanism for the uniform injection of chemical spray and/or gaseous elements into the multi-duct exiting and/or entering manifolds of an air solar collector to create a required applicable gaseous mixture uniform exiting air stream if and when required for a designated application. 